WEDDING WEDNESDAY {Signature Summer Cocktails Pt. 1}

June 13, 2012

One of my favorite personalized details at an event is the signature cocktail. Whether it’s a wedding, bridal shower, or a birthday party, the person/people of honor choose their favorite drinks to serve to their guests. I’m not talking about a Jack and Diet

Cherry Coke {yum.}…rather more like a Honeycrisp Apple Sangria, a Sparkling Fruit Pop, or a Blue Thai Mojito. Here’s some amazing drinks for you to try out. Remember, it’s never too late to find a favorite ;)

Honey Lemon Balm

1/2 cup honey (orange blossom or other citrus blossom honey is nice for this recipe)

Coco-mint syrupMakes three cups, enough for about 16 drinks
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 bunch fresh mint, torn 12 large sprigs fresh cilantro 2 cups sugar 2 cups water
Combine the ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for two to three minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for one hour. Strain, pressing out as much liquid as possible, then discard the solids. Let cool to room temperature. If not using immediately, cover and refrigerate, for up to one month, until needed. Re-mix before using.

Slice the peaches and nectarines into eigths or tenths, depending on size. You can do whole slices of the citrus, but I prefer cutting supremes, so you can eat them after the fact. For the uninitiated, supremes are when you slice off the skin, and slice between the white membranes segmenting the fruit. Halve the strawberries. To make the syrup, combine 1/3 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water. Add the petals of one small very perfumey rose (I had some in the house) or a 1/4 teaspoon rosewater. Bring to a boil, and let it sit for 10 minutes to steep. Add the syrup and wine to the fruit, and let the mixture sit in the fridge for a few hours to combine. Pour and enjoy.

In a large container stir together the first 4 ingredients. Serve over ice. Garnish with raspberries. To make ahead, stir together lemonade concentrate and vodka in a large container. Stir in raspberries and beer just before serving. Garnish, if desired.